09-14-11 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 to provide Ramsey County cities any assistance that it can. The goal of the County Attorney's office is to make Ramsey County communities more safe and livable. He also indicated that it has been an honor and privilege to work with the City's Attorney Pat Kelly. Choi reported that his office is working closely with City attorneys on prosecution functions focusing on better outcomes and ensuring public safety, especially on the problem of domestic violence. Choi reported that anytime a police report is written there is a public safety issue behind it. Choi also stated that it is a pleasure to be working side -by -side with Ramsey County Sheriff Matt Bostrom. Choi reported that one of the first things he did upon taking office is to look at the charging rate in the County Attorney's office. He indicated that that rate had been declining. To ensure public safety, Choi felt that the County Attorney's office should be charging as many cases as it can. He also reported that his office has been working with law enforcement on a "second look initiative ". He informed the Council that his office has informed the various law enforcement agencies in the County that if a case has not been charged by his office and they believe it should and are willing to do some additional work on the case, his office will take a second look. Choi reported that his office has also reorganized how it is handling vehicle forfeiture cases to streamline the process. Another issue Choi reported he campaigned heavily on is his believe that efforts should be made to help juveniles coming in on low level cases so that they never return to the system. Diversion programs will now be handled through his office with a focus on outcomes and getting kids back on the right direction in life. Choi reported that he is also working with his colleagues in the Metro area on this issue. Choi further reported that his office is no longer prosecuting 12 to 16 year olds that are being trafficked as prostitutes, but rather trying to intervene in these children's lives and get them out of the situation they are in. The County Attorney's office is focusing on the demand side of this issue as well as the people trafficking these children. Choi next reviewed the Dangerous Repeat Offenders Program (DROP) pointing out that 7% of offenders account for 70% of criminal problems. Choi indicated that his office is focusing on that 7% by utilizing a State Statute that allows for enhanced penalties over sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders. With regard to domestic violence, Choi indicated that he will be holding summit on October 14th with all the city attorneys in Ramsey County on 2